Vice President of Philanthropy

There are more than 65 million refugees and internally displaced people in the world, as well as many millions of stateless people living without citizenship rights and victims of displacement resulting from natural hazards. Based on impartial and independent field reporting, Refugees International advocates for assistance and protection for refugees and displaced persons, and for solutions to refugee and humanitarian crises. Refugees International is committed to ensuring that governments of the world take strong and consistent action to seek durable solutions for these vulnerable populations.

Started in 1979 as a citizens’ movement to protect Indochinese refugees, Refugees International has expanded to become the leading advocacy organization that provokes action from global leaders to resolve refugee and humanitarian crises. Under new leadership, Refugees International has significantly increased the breadth of its activities and its public profile over the past year. As an independent organization, RI does not accept any government or United Nations funding, allowing advocacy to be fearless and independent.

Due to Refugees International’s efforts, abandoned refugees receive food, medicine and education, displaced families return home, and stateless people obtain legal status. The expert recommendations of Refugees International are highly valued by the very people whose decisions bring immediate relief and lifesaving solutions to refugees: government officials in the United States, members of the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and governments around the world. Based on field-based knowledge of humanitarian emergencies, teams of Refugees International advocates successfully challenge policy makers and aid agencies to improve the lives of displaced people around the world. Where there are needs, Refugees International witnesses what is lacking, presents solutions, and demands action and accountability.

Position Summary

Refugees International is seeking a Vice President for Philanthropy (VP) to lead fundraising efforts across the organization. In cooperation with the President, the VP will develop and lead implementation of strategies to increase the budget from about $4 million to $6 million over the next three years. The VP will be a member of the Refugees International senior management team and will guide, support, and motivate the President, Board of Directors, and staff in all fundraising efforts.

This is a unique opportunity to serve in a leadership role at a high-impact organization making a positive and lasting impact on the more than 65 million refugees and internally displaced persons around the world.

This position is based in Washington, DC, reports directly to the President and supervises the Refugees International fundraising staff.

Position Responsibilities

Vision and Strategy

Provide vision, leadership, and strategy for sustainable growth across the organization.

Work with the President to establish and execute long- and short-term strategic development priorities aimed at increasing support from individuals, foundations and the corporate community.

In collaboration with the senior management team, develop and implement strategies to elevate and maintain the profile of Refugees International as the “go to” organization on advocating for assistance, protection, and solutions to displacement crises.

Work closely with the President to develop and implement successful strategies for continued effective stewardship and growth.

Be a trusted advisor and member of the senior management team; lead change and identify and prioritize new development opportunities, including growth in the U.S., Europe, and emerging markets.

Cultivation and Stewardship

Strengthen existing donor relationships while also increasing the donor base through acquisition of new supporters and sources of funding, especially from the foundation and corporate communities.

Strengthen Refugees International’s major donor program.

Secure transformational level gifts (five figures-plus) and build strong revenue support through compelling, donor-centered relationship building in partnership with the President and Board.

Management and Leadership

Lead, motivate, and inspire a strong and cohesive fundraising team, ensuring high levels of professionalism, innovation, solicitation, stewardship, and accountability.

Effectively guide and support the President and Board members through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes and strategies.

Collaborate with colleagues to support the achievement of Refugees International’s overall mission while promoting a culture of mutual support.

Develop overall fund-raising objectives, as well as specific goals for members of the development team and plans to ensure success.

Make effective use of best practices with respect to use of data, research and analysis in identifying sources of support and in developing revenue projections and customized approaches to donors, among other issues.

Participate, as requested, in at least one overseas mission annually, and explore funding possibilities in other parts of the country and the world.

Supervise staff engagement in two major Refugees International award events annually, in Washington, DC and New York, NY.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in both human rights and refugee issues and in RI’s mission on behalf of vulnerable communities around the world, as well as Refugees International stakeholders and various audiences. The successful candidate will have a track record of leading a strategic, collaborative approach to philanthropy, with demonstrated success creating sustainable fundraising programs. S/he will be passionate, a fast learner and a team builder.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree/record of continuing professional development preferred.

A record of success developing and implementing an innovative and integrated development strategy that results in measurable and significant revenue growth to the organization.

Experience working effectively and respectfully with members of a senior leadership team and staff, as well as with Board members and other high-level volunteers.

Knowledge of planning, finance, budgeting, and development information systems, and knowledge or willingness to learn email marketing; interest in taking advantage of professional training opportunities.

Demonstrated success communicating effectively with individuals of various cultural and financial backgrounds, including high-net-worth individuals.

Knowledge of public relations strategies, including the development of literature, media, press releases, and other communication tools; and experience working with communications staff to enhance social media efforts, public outreach, and internet fundraising.

Superb interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and concisely (both in writing and orally), and to listen as well as give advice.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining disciplined adherence to program goals.

Proven track record of maintaining positive relationships with staff and peers within and beyond the organization

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Location:
Washington, D.C.
Salary:
Open
Type:
Full Time - Experienced
Category:
Community, Social Services, Nonprofit
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
About Refugees International
There are more than 65 million refugees and in...